A group of Moree martial arts students will compete at the Brazilian ju-jitsu NSW championship at Inverell on Saturday under the watchful eye of head coach Brett O’Neill.
The Moree ju-jitsu group is guided by lesson plans from Brisbane One Purpose masters, Roberto Dib Frias and Tegan Krarup.
“Bob and Tegan are both accomplished black blacks and have competed on a global scale,” O’Neill said.
The 2024 NSW Country Championship, a double elimination event, targets all levels of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors of all ages, and will be held at Holy Trinity School in Inverell.
All matched competitors will have at least two matches in their division.
“This will be the first time competing for most of the kids and they couldn’t be more excited about testing themselves and showing what Moree is made of,” O’Neill smiled.
Brazilian ju-jitsu, a form of martial art and self-defence, has been tutored at Moree Showground for two years, with more than 40 students participating three days a week.
“We train Monday, Wednesday and Friday in school terms, with about 30 to 40 children and adults from all walks of life attending,” O’Neill said.
The martial art, known as BJJ, is a self-defence and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds.
“It is primarily a ground-based fighting style and focuses on taking one’s opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks, chokeholds, or compression locks,” O’Neill said.
“While Brazilian ju-jitsu teaches self-defence, it also helps our students better themselves.
“We have had shy kids open up and grow more confident, and learn about respect for themselves and respect for others.”
O’Neill, a purple belt under Frias, is assisted by blue belts Nick Sabine and James Rowe, and Max Taylor.
“Kids’ classes start at 5pm and are capped at 20 students per class. Due to the high demand, there is usually a 12-month waiting list for new students,” O’Neill said.
Adult classes start when the kids are finished – about 6pm – and usually run for an hour or a little longer.
“Each week we teach and put into practice different skills and techniques from lessons we receive from One Purpose BJJ,” O’Neill said.
“People not only love BJJ for learning self-defence, but also for fitness, community involvement, the
competition, and personal growth.
“It has helped our students better themselves on all levels – from boosting confidence, learning respect for themselves and others, and helping shy kids come out of their shells and really open up and join in,” he said.
Assistant coach Nick Sabine said Moree Brazilian ju-jitsu was like family.
“To me, a second family,” Sabine said.
“I can walk in from a stressful day and, after training, walk out stress-free and happy. Everyone is so welcoming and we are all there to help each other.
“I widely recommend Brazilian ju-jitsu and encourage everyone to give it a go,” he said.
Mum Carita Lablack said her sons, 10-year-old Cooper and seven-year-old Oliver, are new to the sport.
“Cooper’s been doing it for about six months and Ollie’s only just started – they’re both very new to it all,” Carita said.
“It’s absolutely good discipline for the kids, and Brett is really firm, but so helpful.
“The kids learn structured martial arts, and self-defence to some degree, but it’s definitely good discipline for them.
“It’s also a good way for the children to target their energy. Brett lets them run crazy to begin with and after that, they do structured learning,” she said.
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